The KeanCast Kean University Media Initiative Dr. Paul J. Croft Cathleen Londino, Scott McHugh, Doug Black, Steve Sosna, Shane Brown, Victoria Schemelia

Importance of Media Meteorology Preparation for students entering any meteorology career tracksPreparation for students entering any meteorology career tracks –Forecasting on a regular basis as catalyst for student professional development; prediction, patterns, & observations Students from other departments also creates cross-disciplinary outreachStudents from other departments also creates cross-disciplinary outreach –University & surrounding community impacted by partnership of weather dependence and media outlets Variety of media outlets gives all students ability to work in different mediumsVariety of media outlets gives all students ability to work in different mediums –Television, Radio, Internet, Publications; Gain of practical skills and experience

KU – Television Broadcasting Television broadcasting the most visually-basedTelevision broadcasting the most visually-based KeanCast provides the student meteorologist the tools for preparing and delivering a weather forecast/briefingKeanCast provides the student meteorologist the tools for preparing and delivering a weather forecast/briefing  Students forecast for a seven day period  Five minutes provided for Weather Segment includes Trends (Temperature, Precipitation, Records/Extremes) Main Weather Story & Weather News (Local & Global) Interactive/Outreach (Trivia, Sporting Events, Science Celebration Day) Departmental “plugs” (Website, mobile device, FAQ, Epsilon Corps) Seven day Outlook & Acknowledgements  Practice in Mechanical & Technical Skills Powerpoint, WSI, Use of government website information Timing, Overall Presentation; Communications; Teamwork/Coordination

KeanCast in action… KeanCast broadcasts have two segmentsKeanCast broadcasts have two segments oWSI graphics engine for weather forecasting oDonated equipment from News12-NJ oStudents learn and use a graphics system to generate show oPeer mentoring as students assist one another in rendering of show oDesign Studio students at KU assist with graphics

Internet Delivery KeanCast available via world wide webKeanCast available via world wide web  Provides easiest and most readily-used; effective and efficient; maximizes outreach to audience and students  Easy for the community to access (and respond) where Internet is available Content includes the followingContent includes the following  Streaming forecasts (KeanCast broadcast, special weather events, eventually promo’s)  Public Service Announcements Watches, warnings, hazards, safety, education  Detailed discussion of current and future weather; potential for documentary/similar

Web-Casting at Kean  Web Weather Discussions!  HTML, FTP, and JAVA applications practiced through use of Web-casting  Students analyze & discuss NWP models, various instrumentation, radar/satellite imagery  Students articulate & develop communication skills for group and professional discussions  Use of essential computer platforms in meteorology  Students better prepare themselves with the technology found in the workplace

Radio Broadcasting Kean University’s FM radio station (WKNJ 90.3) students provide daily weather forecastsKean University’s FM radio station (WKNJ 90.3) students provide daily weather forecasts Recorded daily (midday) students deliver quick yet detailed discussion of the current and short-term weatherRecorded daily (midday) students deliver quick yet detailed discussion of the current and short-term weather  This is aired several times throughout the day giving all listeners the chance to catch the forecast An easy tool to get the weather to people on the goAn easy tool to get the weather to people on the go Students may “break-ins” for severe weather as needed (including any “Special Reports”)Students may “break-ins” for severe weather as needed (including any “Special Reports”) PSA’s air during weather extremes such as heat, cold, thunderstorms, flooding, and wintry conditionsPSA’s air during weather extremes such as heat, cold, thunderstorms, flooding, and wintry conditions WKNJ 90.3 FM KeanCast Campus Forecast

The Future of KeanCast  Expanded Television Broadcasting  Increase frequency of broadcasts  Collaborate with other Media & Film projects  Special/Live reports as necessary  Increase Internet Broadcasting  Frequent updates and discussions  Redesign of website for form and functionality  More streaming video and audio forecasts  PSAs, Special weather events, forecasts  Enhanced Radio Broadcasting  Integrate sound bytes with Music Department  Frequent and/or live updates  Keancast Phone Hotline to answer questions from the community  Development of Publications/Outreach  Contribute articles and discussions to local newspapers, others

Print Media & Forecasting KeanCast provides a straight-to-the-point forecast for readers of the campus newspaper The Cougar’s ByteKeanCast provides a straight-to-the-point forecast for readers of the campus newspaper The Cougar’s Byte Presented in a seven day forecast panel Appears in both periodical and online versions Short PSA write-ups in newspaper PSA’s allow students to develop critical technical writing & editing skills for career developmentPSA’s allow students to develop critical technical writing & editing skills for career development Operational, Research, and Broadcast Meteorology; Private SectorOperational, Research, and Broadcast Meteorology; Private Sector Students enhance communication skills with peers during complex weather phenomenaStudents enhance communication skills with peers during complex weather phenomena

Thanks! Department of Geology & Meteorology Faculty & Staff, Students (Majors & Non-Majors) Kean University Meteorology Program Center for Earth System Education (KU) Epsilon Corps Program (KU) College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences (KU) Kean University Student Chapter AMS/NWA